Gun Found in Child's Backpack

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This is not the backpack in question, but it was one like this that contained a gun.

An Oakland elementary teacher is being credited for her observance skills this week after noticing one of her first grade students had a gun in his backpack.

The school sent a letter to parents and staff at Prescott Elementary explaining the teacher and the student discovered the gun at the same time Tuesday morning.

The district said the student did not know he was carrying a gun and had no intent to use it.

The teacher immediately contacted school officials who contacted police.

It wasn't clear where the gun came from or whether it was loaded, according to district officials.

The principal said in the letter, "We are not taking this matter lightly. We will continue to investigate the incident thoroughly and will keep you apprised of new information as it’s confirmed. We recognize that the presence of guns in the school is unacceptable and we are working with Oakland Schools Police and Violence Prevention Specialists to provide counseling on the dangers of guns as well as anti-violence training."